When it comes to industrial storage, not all goods are the same. While standard pallets can easily be stored on conventional racks, long, bulky or irregular loads require a specific solution. This is where the cantilever rack comes in, a shelving system designed to meet these needs perfectly.
Whether you work in construction, metalwork, joinery or logistics, the cantilever is often the most effective solution for optimising your storage space.
What is a cantilever rack?
The cantilever rack is a storage system made up of vertical columns and horizontal arms, known as consoles, which support long loads. Unlike traditional pallet racks, it has no front uprights, making it easier to load and unload goods.
This type of shelving is particularly suitable for storing :
- metal tubes and sections
- wooden planks
- panels (OSB, MDF, etc.)
- pipes
- building materials
Thanks to its open design, the cantilever allows direct and rapid access to products, often using a forklift truck.
A solution perfectly suited to long loads
The main advantage of the cantilever rack is its ability to store long loads without constraint. Where a conventional rack imposes fixed dimensions, the cantilever offers great freedom.
The arms can be adjusted in height and length as required. This makes it easy to adapt the structure to different types of goods.
What’s more, the absence of uprights at the front means there are no blockages during handling. Operators save time and work in better conditions.
Optimising storage space
One of the major challenges for companies is to optimise their available surface area. The cantilever rack makes efficient use of the height and length of a warehouse.
It can be installed :
- along a wall (single-sided cantilever)
- in the centre of a space (double-sided cantilever)
This flexibility makes it possible to structure a warehouse in a logical and functional way. By organising long loads correctly, you free up floor space and improve traffic flow in your warehouse.
A robust and durable solution
Cantilever racks are designed to support heavy loads. Made from steel, they offer excellent resistance over time, even under intensive use.
Depending on the model, each arm can support several hundred kilos or more. It is also possible to add accessories such as stops or specific supports to secure storage.
For professionals in Switzerland, where quality requirements are high, the cantilever represents a reliable and durable investment.
Highly modular
Another major advantage: modularity. A cantilever rack can grow with your business.
You can :
- add extra columns
- change the height of the arms
- adapt the configuration to your new needs
This scalability is particularly useful for growing businesses or those with regularly changing storage volumes.
Improving day-to-day productivity
A well-organised warehouse is a more efficient warehouse. By using a cantilever rack, you make your teams’ work easier.
The products are :
- more visible
- more accessible
- better organised
The result: less time wasted searching for goods, less risk of errors, and greater overall efficiency.
What’s more, handling is simplified, reducing the risk of accidents and improving safety in the workplace.
New or used cantilever: which to choose?
As with other storage solutions, you can opt for new or second-hand equipment.
A second-hand cantilever represents an excellent alternative for companies looking to optimise their budget. Provided it is in good condition, it offers performance comparable to new at a reduced cost.
New-build homes, meanwhile, can be custom-configured and perfectly adapted to very specific needs.
The choice will therefore depend on your budget, your technical constraints and your long-term objectives.
Conclusion
The cantilever rack is an essential solution for storing long loads. Flexible, robust and scalable, it optimises space, improves productivity and secures logistics operations.
Whether for a small depot or a large warehouse, investing in a well-adapted cantilever system is a strategic choice for any company handling long or bulky products.